Soil type.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

The primary premise for exploiting the hybrid vigor of "Zhangzagu" Hybrid Millet is to achieve full germination after sowing the seeds. Proper land preparation is a necessary process for achieving full germination. If the land preparation is fine and of good quality, full germination can be achieved, which can achieve twice the result with half the effort and lay the foundation for high yield.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

1. Sowing Seed—Seed Germination: Drought and little rain can lead to lack of seedlings, and low temperatures are prone to downy mildew pf millet.

2. Seed Germination—Elongation: Low temperatures and frost (Millet is not tolerant to temperatures of 1-2℃ or below).

3. Elongation—Heading: Drought affects spike differentiation, and excessive rain impairs root development.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

1. Sowing Seeds—Seed Germination: Temperature above 10℃ and soil moisture between 9%-11% are favorable for seed germination.

2. Seed Germination—Elongation: Temperature round 20℃ and slightly dry conditions are favorable for hardening of seedling.

3. Elongation—Heading: Temperatures is between 22℃and 23℃, and there is sufficient moisture.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

According to research, "Zhangzagu" Hybrid Millet requires 378-472mm of water. Irrigation frequency should be determined based on satisfaction degree of local water resources and millet variety.

· For a water deficit of 250-280mm: 3-4 irrigations are needed (estimated at 90mm per irrigation).

· For a water deficit of 180-210mm: 2-3 irrigations are needed.

· For a water deficit of less than 60mm: 1 irrigation is needed.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

We can choose suitable millet varieties based on local climate, terrain, soil, and cultivation systems, focusing on the main issues in local millet production. For example, in areas with severe drought, drought-resistant varieties like "Zhangzagu" Hybrid Millet No. 3 and No. 19 can be chosen. In areas with better water and fertilizer conditions, it is better to choose "Zhangzagu" Hybrid Millet No. 10 and No. 5 with water-fertilizer favourite and high yield potential. For semi-arid and semi-humid areas, drought-resistant varieties which can efficiently use watershould be chosen, such as "Zhangzagu" Hybrid Millet No. 3, No. 9, No. 13, and No. 19. For cooler mountain areas, varieties with short growth period like "Zhangzagu" Hybrid Millet No. 6 and No. 13 are suitable. For areas with severe drought where timely sowing is not possible, or where the previous crop is harvested late, choose early-maturing varieties can be chosen based on the available heat resources to ensure normal maturation.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

① It can increase plant height and chlorophyll content in millet;  

② It can promote the development of deep roots, thereby improving millet's stress resistance;  

③ It can eliminate the influence of weeds, enhancing the nutritional level and lodging resistance of millet.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

High-yield fields require three rounds of additional fertilizer.

For the first time in the 5-6 leaf stage, 5kg of urea per mu can be spread along the ridge, combined with inter-row cultivation and seedling setting to turn the fertilizer into the soil, promoting tillering and increasing spikes per mu.

For the second time during the jointing stage, when the seedlings are about 33cm tall, 10kg of urea per mu can be spread in the same manner to promote jointing and large spikes.

For the third time during the booting stage, 10kg of urea per mu can be additionally spread when it is raining or combined with irrigation. "Zhangzagu" Hybrid Millet varieties No. 5 and 10 require an additional 5-7.5kg of urea per mu during the grain-filling stage, significantly increasing effective grain count, reducing barren tips, and improving seed setting rate.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

Hybrid millets grow rapidly and have strong roots, so they can absorb water and fertilizer efficiently.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)

True hybrid seeds can be left by using special chemicals (such as Ethephon) for seed coating or spraying them in the field to kill off the yellow seedlings. However, in special climatic conditions like low temperatures in spring, if yellow seedlings are mixed with green ones, the yellow seedlings can be removed and the green ones can be left.

Source: Zhangjiakou Academy of Agricultural Sciences (ZAAS)